Guillermo del Toro proves that he is not only a master of gorgeous cinema but also a master of Gothic Romance. The influences of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and H.P. Lovecraft are apparent in del Toro's latest film. The camera, effects (especially practical), his vibrant color palette, story and talented actors and actress all come together and make a beautiful Gothic romance.
Ryan Gosling's directorial debut, "Lost River", is a bizarre treat that is definitely influenced by the likes of David Lynch, Derek Cianfrance and Nicholas Winding Refn. Bizarre Lynchian imagery, Refn's tone and Cianfrance-esque dialogue made "Lost River" a very beautiful movie. Now since all of the director's that seemed to have an affect on Gosling are ones that film fanatics would describe as an "acquired taste" I would not recommend this film to everyone. If you like movies such as "Place Beyond the Pines", "Mulholland Dr" and "Only God Forgives" definitely give it a watch.